Small ephemeral drainages cross the community and drain surface runoff from Echo Cliffs in the east into the Colorado River to the west. Slopes are mild and slope downwards gently from east to west. Soil units, described in Appendix 5.4, include 113 on the east side of Highway 89A and 115 on the west side of the road. These soil classifications have been approved by NRCS.

Echo Cliffs are designated Wildlife Area 1, which is intended to protect rare and endangered species and their habitat. The area between the base of Echo Cliffs and the Colorado River is designated Area 2, which has a high concentration of rare and endangered species. Biological Evaluations are required for any development within these two areas. A buffer zone of Area 5 is designated along the Colorado River, which is intended to create a biological preserve.

There are no cultural resources within the community of Navajo Springs, although culturally significant sites are located within the general vicinity.

Navajo Spring is identified as having “some risk” to human health due to heavy metals and radiation. Site-specific research will be necessary to determine the extent of the risks to which individual development projects will be exposed.

There are several sites in Navajo Springs with development potential. In particular, areas adjacent to Highway 89A are the most suitable because they have immediate access to the highway, mild slopes, and a minimal potential to disrupt natural drainage patterns.

The Chapter is considering developing a destination resort in Navajo Springs because of the area’s natural beauty and its proximity to area tourist destinations; however, the Chapter can expect competition from existing and future tourism facilities in the area. In particular, the Navajo Nation is in the process of developing the Antelope Marina resort near Page. In-depth research will be necessary to determine the market and financial feasibility of a resort in Navajo Springs.

Perhaps the greatest limiting factor to any development in Navajo Springs is the lack of water resources. The depth to groundwater prohibits well development, while access to the Colorado River remains unlikely due to the political and legal environment surrounding Navajo water rights and border disputes.